Homelessness Close To Home

Recent federal and local research has helped identify some of the main causes of homelessness, but questions still remain about factors that are unique to women.  Preble Street, a nonprofit organization focusing on homelessness, located in Portland, Maine, has released an in-depth report highlighting women and homelessness in Maine.

The Preble Street Report was staggering.

• 52% reported being victims of domestic violence.
• Of these, 67% had left their home to escape domestic violence.
• 29% lost their job due to harassment or sabotage from an abusing partner.
• 44% reported being a victim of sexual assault since becoming homeless.
• 63% reported a mental health issue such as post-traumatic stress disorder and mental illness.
• 49% reported co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness.

With the release of this report, strong and committed women from all over the state, and from all walks of life, joined forces with Preble Street in a campaign to end homelessness for women in Maine now.  The Maine Women’s Lobby is proud to have our very own Executive Director, Sarah Standiford, as one of those esteemed advocates.

Sarah is one of the many strong and committed women helping to spread a compelling, meaningful, hopeful and progressive message.  Please view Preble Street’s new campaign ad (above) to end homelessness for women in Maine. And, as you do so, remember the words of Preble Street founder, Joe Kreisler, “I am a human being.  Part of my job, part of being alive, is making sure that other people are too.”